JCRAIG  Comparing the target audiences for VueScan and Image Capture is like comparing the users of iPhoto and CS4. While OEM software or built-in Snow Kitty tools will give the average user adequate scans, VueScan isn't geared toward the average user, though using the default settings will certainly give most users satisfactory results when looking to get a job done quickly and painlessly. VueScan users also aren't likely to jump on every update as they become available (can you imagine being in the middle of a large museum archiving project and having an update break your scanner?) VueScan is unparalleled in the amount of control it gives the user over color, contrast, white balance, infrared cleaning of transparencies, etc. even before launching an image editor. I'm not sure why this application is in need of such an overhaul as you say. Professionals need tools that work, work well, speed up our work flow, offer top-notch support from the developer, and create awesome images. VueScan is all of these and more, whether I'm running it on my MBP, my Windows machine at the local historical society museum where I volunteer, or playing around with it in Ubuntu (yes, it runs on Linux too!) If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  
(Version 8.5.35)

KBEAT  Craig,

I don't pretend to know what the target user or average user of VueScan is, or who Ed intends to use it. I do know that I've always that of it as a swiss army knife of scanner apps. It'll work with just about any scanner you throw at it, on just about an OS you run. It is simple to use and generally always works.

It is not, in my experience, the most powerful scanner software, and I don't personally know any professional shops who use it. Most publishers and archivers I know use the pro version of SilverFast or twain directly to Photoshop. Heck, the twain plug in that comes with my Canon offers more features than VueScan, if I need to dig deeper.

If you want a decent, clean scan the built in scanning features of OS X work well. I prefer, as do a lot of other professionals, to do image and color correction with Photoshop and Aperture, rather than scanner software, so for me the advanced features of VueScan are unnecessary. If you want to be able to get a decent scan, from virtually anywhere in the OS to anywhere in the OS, Snow Leopard's tools works great. Clearly they don't apply, nor do I suggest they do, if you need to scan using Linux and Windows as well.  
(Version 8.5.35)

ANDY HEWITT  I think I agree with the need to update, although I only don't use VueScan for one reason, it's far too difficult to scan multiple images at once. I have an Epson 4490, and the EpsonScan software is actually OK. I don't apply filters, or do too much adjusting at the scan stage, but prefer to deal with images in post-processing. The EpsconScan has enough settings to get a good base image, and it's far easier to scan a strip of negatives, or a selection of prints.

I agree about HP software though, I've set up a few Windows machines with HP scanners, and it is truly awful.  
(Version 8.5.36)

DEVSH0P  Yeah.... I'm gonna hafta go ahead and sort of, disagree with you there. I run a professional shop and I've been using VueScan for half a year now (since I discovered it). I run industrial grade scanners and believe me, the software that's packaged with them is less than useless. VueScan solved almost all of my scanner problems, I would say.... to 90%. Some things will simply never work properly. I've learned to accept that.

Updates are quick, and it's only ever crashed on me twice, which is much better than I can say for most of the software I run, including Adobe. It's got all the options I could ever ask for, and it took me a while to tweak it into the way I wanted it to run, but now, I couldn't live without it.

2 Cents.  
(Version 8.5.39)

CHRISCHRAM  I rather like the simplicity of the HP scanner software's user interface. It usually gives me what I need with no muss, no fuss. However I know that Vuescan is always there when I need more control over some aspect of the process.

I don't yet know whether HP's software will play well with Snow Leopard. Again, it'll be nice to have Vuescan to fall back on.  
(Version 8.5.27)

ILGAZ  Chriscram: What bugs the most people and in fact, reason for instability issues is the stuff added to startup, always on kernel extensions, ''update checker'' and low quality of the outsourced software. It is not just HP, it is all scanners.

I had to restore my machine from time machine backup once since I stupidly decided I should have Canon Lide 25 software too. It crashed so early that I couldn't logon to Finder to fix things.

In good old times, there were no resident scanner apps. There was a goodly (by device vendor) written TWAIN driver which loads to memory and goes away when not needed. When they started adding this needless ''button manager'' etc. stuff, troubles has begun.

If I had a clue about Vuescan's existence on Windows, I would buy it back in 1990s.  
(Version 8.5.28)

MISHA  Contact the developer?  
(Version 8.5.23)

JCRAIG  Instead of calling someone's years of hard work and dedication to making a great product for the graphics professional and the everyday user "worthless," did you follow the troubleshooting directions included in the Help? Read through these forums and you'll see that Ed has always been extremely helpful and responsive to users' needs.  
(Version 8.5.23)

DRDUL  It depends on what scanner you're using, but in general, VueScan has an easier-to-use interface, offers additional features and produces better results, particularly if you enable all the advanced features.

I started using VueScan years ago when I bought a film scanner. VueScan controlled the film scanner better than Nikon's software, it gave me more options to tweak the image to get a better scan, it enabled me to merge multiple scans and achieve greater bit depth, and I could save the raw scan data so I only had to scan a slide once.

I have since sold the film scanner as I scanned all the slides I wanted to. I now only use VueScan on an occasional basis, when I want to get the best result from my Canon flatbed scanner. Most of the time all I need is a quick-and-dirty scan to email or archive something, and for that I use Canon's "one click" software because it's faster.  
(Version 8.5.23)

CHRISCHRAM  I first started using Vuescan on a hand-me-down MicroTek scanner for which there was no available OS X driver. Nowadays I do most of my scanning on an HP all-in one. I usually use HP's own scanning software, which has a very simple user interface, but I know I can always fall back on Vuescan when HP can't do what I need.  
(Version 8.5.23)

JCRAIG  I recently completed a digital imaging grant project for which I scanned close to 300 glass plate slides using an Epson 4990. Epson Scan doesn't come close to offering the amount of control I had over this project as does VueScan. It's simple to use, offers an efficient work-flow, and is extremely powerful. I'd gladly pay twice the cost, especially considering the excellent support provided by Ed Hamrick. I also use it with an old 1240U that was donated to our Historical Society museum. Scans are actually faster using Vuescan with this old scanner than with the included Epson software. VueScan is everything we love about great OSX software, and your scanner will perform to its fullest potential when driven by VueScan.  
(Version 8.5.23)

GLENN C MONTALBANO  Some older scanners would be obsolete if not for Vue Scan. I have an HP 4C scanner that is still in excellent condition. I would no longer be able to use it without Vue Scan.  
(Version 8.5.23)

BILLJACOBS1  I bought a Nikon Coolscan 3 back in 1999 which is SCSI. After a while Nikon refused to support this scanner which cost me about 800.00. This is one of the many scanners that Vue Scan supports. If there was a SCSI card that my intel mac could use, I would still be using this scanner.

The Vue scan software offers more options and control than most proprietary scanner software, and it allows one to create a scan that is output into a camera raw (Adobe DNG) format. From what I've experienced, camera raw format isn't available with scanner driver software.

I bought Mr. Hamrick's pro version and the small cost was well worth it considering what it would cost to purchase a new more up to date Nikon film strip scanner. As for support for the software, he is constantly tweeking and upgrading its capabilities.

There are many other reasons for making this purchase. One of them being that the native driver and plug in for photoshop for my HP G4010 keeps crashing Photoshop. I did update the HP drivers, but still the plug in causes Photoshop CS3 to crash, something HP says isn't possible, but it is happening. Go figure

Vue Scan rocks and is a bargain. If you have a favorite scanner now, in 5 or 6 years after its manufacturer has either folded or declared it unsupported, you will find vue scan will let you keep it running and save you the money of purchasing a new scanner.  
(Version 8.5.25)

FONGD  I sent the developer a request for an auto-update capability and he wrote back that it's on his to-do list but that he hasn't had the time to do it. My guess is he wants something that'll work on the Mac, Windows and Linux versions he offers and as nice as Sparkle is, it's Mac only.  
(Version 8.5.11)

ILGAZ  Did you have any bugs fixed based on _your_ configuration on this release? That is the issue. If you are a professional (the real market of vuescan), you won't want to have downtime or risks associated with a bugfix release which has nothing to do with _your_ configuration and workflow.

Of course, times has changed and Leopard users may easily downgrade (via TM, if enabled) if problems occur but it would be real waste of bandwidth and downtime for a Canon user getting updates for a raw/pro camera etc.  
(Version 8.5.12)

ETJ  Nice idea but not likely to happen. As I understand things, the same code base is used for Mac, Windows and Linux. Hence the Mac code is not using Cocoa frameworks, but the older Carbon model. Sparkle is a Cocoa based system.  
(Version 8.5.08)

STRIDER72  I would guess it's a problem between Vuescan and that particular model of scanner.

FYI -- the way to post images is to put them up on the web somewhere (Flickr maybe?) and post a link.  
(Version 8.5.06)

SATYRICA  Lazy and becoming less and less "mac-like"...  
(Version 8.5.11)

JCRAIG  Set Input | Media to Magazine and you'll see the Descreen option appear.  
(Version 8.4.95)

MORISSSS  mkv video converter mac mkv player  
(Version 8.5.11)

IDJSTER  I've had the same experiences that you've had. This is absolutely the best piece of scanning software I've ever owned and, consequently, the reason I bought the lifetime license. It really is a great app and the author is very responsive to email queries and requests. I'd give it a review but I've already done that some time ago and it really does deserve the 5 stars. It's a top-notch piece of shareware!  
(Version 8.4.92)

ZO219  Yeah, put it some other way, dude.   
(Version 8.4.82)

SJK  Saying that certain things pass the "wife test" doesn't need to be inappropriate, and can even be humorous or helpful. Same for something passing the "husband test"; I'd be amused if my wife said that.  
(Version 8.4.84)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  My wife never ceases to surprise me with her abilities, abilities I do not have and likely never will. She'd probably say the same thing about me. Life is funny that way.  
(Version 8.4.84)

ZO219  Awright! That's better!  
(Version 8.4.84)

FOULGER  Go to Hamricks web site and read carefully how to get your Canon scanner working - its an easy step.  
(Version 8.4.86)

XYPHER  I'll second that, it would sure beat having to navigate to the web site every few weeks.   
(Version 8.4.94)

NEUTRALZONE  If you think the sliders are too short, you should increase the Option Panel Width, there's a preference for it. Or you can click the spin buttons. Personally I turn both off and enter small increments numerically. It sounds like you didn't look at the program long enough.  
(Version 8.4.64)

MRELCEE  PEBCAK Error. :)  
(Version 8.4.70)

ARTYTOM  This worked perfectly on Leopard using a Canoscan LIDE30  
(Version 8.4.49)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  You should go to the developer's site and report this to the developer.   
(Version 8.4.44)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  You should go to the developer's site and report this to the developer.   
(Version 8.4.44)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  You should go to the developer's site and report this to the developer.   
(Version 8.4.44)

CYBERNAUT HALO  Are you using VueScan with Adaptec SCSI Card running Mac OS X Leopard? Just wondering...   
(Version 8.4.60)

NEUTRALZONE  You really, really should be using a FireWire to SCSI adapter instead of wasting your time with USB to SCSI (two flaky standards...together! What could possibly go wrong?).

I have been using a FireWire to SCSI adapter with my Nikon scanner, for years, with VueScan. Sure, VueScan's had some quirks, but the adapter itself has been FLAWLESS through OS X updates and upgrades, and VueScan has not had problems with the adapter. It's been a very long time since I worried about any of my old SCSI devices in OS X. It's time to put an end to your misery. Forget Adaptec cards and adapters; they just don't work. Buy the right gadget.  
(Version 8.4.30)

FOULGER  Instead of publicly slanging one of the most useful and updated pieces of indispensable Mac Software, why don't you take the trouble to E-Mail the author - I have found him always willing to answer E-Mails on many occasions. Think how a moment of grumpiness because something doesn't suit little old you can cause much harm to the reputation of the author and spoil it for the thousands of users that do find it indispensable. Before opening the mouth, engage the brain.  
(Version 8.4.35)

SILVERDR  Thank you for your valuable input. Just for completeness: I did contact the author several times and we had two-way conversations couple of times. Some of the numerous "fixed problem with..." change log messages you can safely blame on my persistence in reporting and explaining to the author. This doesn't change the pure facts I presented. I could of course use more formal language in the first sentences but I believe that different form of those sentences wouldn't change the substance of my review. With kind regards, silverdr.  
(Version 8.4.35)

MOOG MODULAR  From "sucks badly" to "kind regards"???

Your persistence helped this app?

Aren't you special?

I've never seen someone pat themselves on the back while backpedaling.

You should work in a circus.

Be thankful for what you have, not a whiner for what you don't.

There isn't an app on the market that 100% pleases everyone.

Your comments speak for a small minority of users.

For the price and the wide variety of scanners vuescan supports, next time... STFU!  
(Version 8.4.37)

SILVERDR  Reading with comprehension isn't your strongest point, is it? If it was, you would have noticed that value (which is in direct corelation to price) is given five stars there and the range of supported scanners is what I praise a lot.

But you believe that because of the app being inexpensive and actually doing some job with so many scanners - I should just STFU and not tell anyone about its shortcommings nor the poor experiences I had with the scanners I happen to work with??

P.S. My persistence didn't really help this app - It still sucks badly - This persistence only helped to fix some of the obvious problems of infrared cleaning not working at all or corrupting the images instead of working poorly.  
(Version 8.4.37)

F451  The sad part is that you seem to be taking out on Hamrick what is truly the responsibility of the scanner manufacturer. Hamrick steps-in where the manufacturers fail, and get lambasted for doing so? Go figure?  
(Version 8.4.38)

VICLEN  If you're using a high-end scanners such as a flat-bed Heidelberg or a Crosfield drum scanner where the dedicated scan software won't work with Mac OS X, stick with an old Mac and OS 9. That will also solve your connectivity problem.

If, as is likely to be the case, your scanners aren't really that high-end, definitely switch to a SCSI to FireWire converter. I use one with both Heidelberg and Umax flatbeds faultlessly.

Unless you're floating transparencies on oil, you're very unlikely to get good results from any 1200dpi flatbed and even many of the 35mm scanners are pretty poor.

As for Vuescan, I use it with two decent standard flat-bed scanners. It does an excellent job in all modes, including transparencies up to 200% or so with care. It is a little quirky, especially with screened material, but without it I would have had to invest a lot of money in new scanners.

Don't use this as a whinge forum - you won't benefit in any way.  
(Version 8.4.39)

SILVERDR  Hm, judging from the replies I receive I see I definitely miscommunnicated my thoughts. :-(

I am actually very happy with the fact that VueScan allows me to use (otherwise completely unsupported under OS X) Adaptec's USB to SCSI adapter to connect the old SCSI scanner and that's a PLUS. I nowhere suggested that I had connectivity problems but rather the opposite - suddenly (thanks to VueScan) my old scanner was again usable without any special drivers for OSX. And for that purpose it (VueScan) serves very well and I don't have any real problems with it but also the results from 10+ yrs old hardware are adequate - I don't expect high-end result from that kind of hardware.

But what I did have problems with are the higher-end scanners. I initially tried to use EPSON Perfection 4870, which was a top of the line A4 flatbet with transparency scanning capability at the time of its introduction. Since EPSON software (even if sometimes delivering good images) was/is a complete disaster to use! So I turned to VueScan and found that interface and workflow (while far from being perfect) was substantially better (i.e. "sucked" substantially less) and effective than what EPSON's or SilverFast was able to provide. That was good part. The bad part was that the final results (especially with transparencies) were poor when compared to what the hardware was capable of.

The final result was that I never got satisfying results from the EPSON flatbeds. In big part it was caused by software being either virtually unusable (EPSON, partially SilverFast) or incapable of utilising the hardware/postprocess well (VueScan). The decision was to move to Nikon scanners and those were (still are) LS-5000 for 35mm and LS-9000 for medium format, which (both) I find to be rather "higher-end" and I am very satisfied with what they are capable of but again - VueScan didn't deliver anything close to accpetable when compared to what the hardware is capable of.

Also it only very recently started to be able to recognise the frames on the film, it crashed, it left the scanner in unusable state after quitting (I had to power-cycle the Nikons to get them back) etc., etc. So - to sum this all up - for lower-end scanners, where one doesn't expect top-notch results - VueScan is very good and "sucks" far LESS than any other software I checked! On the other hand, when the top results are of importance and the hardware (at least those types which I tested) is capable of delivering them - VueScan doesn't hold. As I also wrote - YMMV especially if you have different scanners, they may be better supported but ALL those (higher-end) I had chance to test were not :-(

Regards,

silverdr  
(Version 8.4.39)

HOLYPOLY  The GUI may not be the prettiest in cyberspace, but it is clean and functional IMHO.  
(Version 8.4.16)

VICLEN  What would I prefer? The author to continue adding features and fixing bugs, or to spend time on changing a GUI that is half-decent at the moment? No contest...  
(Version 8.4.17)

FOULGER  Lets have an honourable compromise - you design a new Gui and submit it to Ed Hamrick and let the author get on and keep up his excellent work in keeping the Application current  
(Version 8.4.27)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  I am told the developer is quite responsive, check this page and contact him, perhaps:

http://www.hamrick.com/sup.html  
(Version 8.4.07)

BRIGHTIDESIGN  Thanks for the tip! I am going to write to the developer right now. I will let you know how it goes.  
(Version 8.4.07)

CHRISCHRAM  A year or so ago a version of VueScan started giving my Microtek scans a yellow cast. Mr. Hamrick was quite responsive. It took a couple weeks of betas, but he eventually fixed the problem. Trouble is, he doesn't have hundreds of scanners to work with, and has to rely on manufacturers information and customer feedback.  
(Version 8.4.08)

BRIGHTIDESIGN  Very odd. The developer, Ed Hamrick, asked for the log file, but first asked that I set the program to the default settings. Upon doing that, the problem with the yellow saturated images was gone! I must have done something to mess up the settings. I still wind up doing some quick and minor enhancements in Photoshop, but overall, I would say the program is working fine and I am pleased.  
(Version 8.4.08)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  Click this.  
(Version 8.4.05)

BOB_TM  I would recommend reconsidering your update policy. There has been 5 updates the past two weeks alone - it does not give an impression of seriousness. Prior to version 1 this is an affordable luxary of developer eagerness, but now it is just slightly pathetic. Try to gather non-urgent changes into monthly batches.  
(Version 8.4.05)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  Tell it to the developer. Do you even own or use this software?  
(Version 8.4.05)

MOOG MODULAR  What is the problem here?

If your scanner is working with an older version, then it's working.

If you are curious if there's improvements possible, download a newer version.

If it's worse than before, replace the old file.

If most of you guys complaining knew all the update memos released for automobiles, you probably wouldn't drive. But not knowing they exist, you still get from point a to b just fine.

If it's not broken, don't fix it.  
(Version 8.4.05)

IDJSTER  I have to agree about downloading the updates. If your scanner is working with the version you have then stick with it. I've used this app since the earlier days and I bought the lifetime update license I liked it so much. While the upgrade cycle may be a bit fast the author does it often to please people with more obscure scanners and issues. It's a great application and I don't regret buying it for one moment. If you own it and it works fine for you, why not just download an update every 6 months or so? No one is forcing anyone to upgrade. It works great for me!  
(Version 8.4.05)

NEUTRALZONE  I agree with the replies. The original post asks "Is there really an urgent need for all these?" There's the error, assuming every fix has to be an urgent need. One man's unimportant fix is another man's urgent need. The great thing about VueScan is that unlike other software companies, if you have a problem and you need it fixed you DO NOT have to wait a month or six months until some big, anonymous company feels like releasing an update patch. Some of us love having a problem fixed within days of discovering it.

I have personally skipped many of the VueScan updates. It does not hurt to do that. It would hurt more if a bug went unfixed because the developer went months between updates.  
(Version 8.4.06)

BOB_TM  Yes - I'm sorry - you're right guys. Just got annoyed by the constant update reminders. I've moved it out of my watch list and to the wish list, which does not give update reminders while keeping it in MacUpdate - better way of solving it for me.  
(Version 8.4.08)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  "Is that just a way to keep it on top of the M.U. list?"

No. The product is updated regularly because the developer fixes bugs constantly/adds support/etc., and this is self-evident from the release notes for each update.  
(Version 8.4.02)

RICK SAPHIRE  It is just disconcerting that in the few years I have owned this program, I have felt obligated to upgrade it at least 40 times. That is very troublesome. All of those upgrades seemed to address problems that did not exist with my equipment, but it is hard NOT to keep up with the latest software. Maybe the developers should consider specific editions for major scanner brands so that everyone doesn't have the apparent need to upgrade for scanners across he board. RS  
(Version 8.4.02)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  Maybe you should just not download the updates that do not have bugfixes/additions that pertain to your rig. The release notes will tell you.  
(Version 8.4.02)

RICK SAPHIRE  That's a great idea, except for the fact that the developer advertises "fixes" such as the following which appear on this most recent upgrade:

Improved scanner profiling

Improved color accuracy on many scanners

Fixed problem with Canon 8400F

Added "Prefs|Splash screen" option

There is only one specific scanner listed and all the rest seem quite generic, giving the impression that there is a need for everyone to upgrade. Between this, global warming, and Bird Flu, I have far too much to worry about!!! Thank you for the replies. RS  
(Version 8.4.02)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  OK, so don't worry and be happy.  
(Version 8.4.02)

BISON59  Shawnblower,

Thanks for the lecture. Unless you are a developer or friend, perhaps you will show a little compassion when you know all the facts.

On 9/21/06 I purchased VueScan for use on a Canon 8400 scanner. I did check and VueScan supported the 8400.

On 10/1/06 I purchased a Canon 8600 scanner as a replacement for the 8400. The 8600 was relatively new on the market—and it was not unusual for a developer to need some time to catch up. I waited and the developer released many update—none of which supported the 8600.

It is now 12/6/06 and another VueScan release with no support for the 8600.

On 11/26, I emailed the developer and—now read carefully Shawblower— he said he needed a document from Canon and when, IF EVER, he gets it, VueScan will support the Canon 8600. So, it's very possible that I will be out $49.95 FOREVER! Hence, my posting which you responded to.

Bob143  
(Version 8.3.83)

MOOG MODULAR  Bob, your comments are uncalled for.

Everything this other person said is true.

You bought an unsupported scanner.

You also indicated that the developer was willing to provide support IF the manufacturer provided him information he requested.

This is clearly not the fault of VueScan's author. It is either yours or the manufacturer's.

You owe an apology to Vuescan's author.  
(Version 8.3.83)

SHAWNYQ  Unless the developer of Vuescan gave a guarantee that he will support all versions of every manufactured scanner produced, your argument is null.  
(Version 8.3.83)

S P L A T !  unbeliable dude..!!!

you dont need to blame to developer for a scanner that NOT appear in your list of supported scanners....

c'mon.... you wanna full support for every scanner in earth???  
(Version 8.3.83)

G4JAY  Very good test! Nice to see I'm not the only one who's not happy with the speed of this software.  
(Version 8.3.81)

MOOG MODULAR  I don't think you're putting the programmer down at all. His software works and your webpage doesn't.   
(Version 8.3.85)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  You are a late comer. My site has been there long enough and I took it down. You've missed the boat. Why don't you wait till next year!  
(Version 8.3.85)

G4JAY  His site simply showed testing of scan speed. However, in my own testing, VueScan is painfully slow!  
(Version 8.3.85)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  Thank you g4jay.

I don't know why do people have to complain about my site is not there after 4 (FOUR) updates on VueScan. I suppose my site had been there long enough for those who's serious about finding out the facts. For the one who complain my site is no longer there must be 4 (FOUR) updates slow, just as SLOW as VueScan...lol  
(Version 8.3.85)

ZAPH  You are kidding right? You understand that your comments are there for good, yes? Someone reading this now (as they would if they view all comments for example) has no idea that you've taken the page down, or why. Is it not relevant anymore? Has the problem been fixed? You don't mention any of these things, just call him slow.  
(Version 8.3.87)

OPTICBRIAN  Hi,

I'm considering buying VueScan, since Nikon won't support my SCSI Nikon LS-2000 on Mac OS X, and I've always liked the results from the scanner.

My VueScan demos have worked great, but I wanted to check out the page you posted (http://members.shaw.ca/mokintouch3/speed/index.html) before any final decisions, however, the "page cannot be found."

Thanks for your time.

Brian  
(Version 8.3.87)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  The site is back on now.

http://members.shaw.ca/mokintouch3/speed/index.html  
(Version 8.3.87)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  I don't blame you. I never like this piece of crap software from day one.  
(Version 8.3.78)

VIRION  Was the scanner one properly supported on OS X in the first place? I know my scanner detects in the os, but isn't supported in VueScan, nor in any scanning suite for OS X or Linux. As for your post, well the support listed in this release has the Quanto added 'for USB'. You probably should have told your customer to wait to see if the forthcoming support would be implemented for their interface type before buying the license, or at least to see if it was to their liking.  
(Version 8.3.78)

HURZ  The scanner is supported by OS X - with the extremely expensive SilverFast-software. To get this scanner to work in OS X my customer had to pay about 420 bucks. No need to say that a new scanner is cheaper. But why spend money on such a thing if you get a promise to make it work in a cheaper way?

The onliest reason why the license was bought was to support the dev and 'cos he promised to make it work. Now I payed 80 Euros for the very valuable hint "Don't trust anyone" …  
(Version 8.3.78)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  Someone was bitching at me when I claimed this software was slow. It is slow. This is the slowest scanning software...anything is faster than this. If you are paying for this software, it's better off to pay for SilverFast.  
(Version 8.3.74)

FOULGER  How dare you criticise Mr Hamrick for continually updating his programme? This is without a doubt the most updated shareware programme on ANY platform and shows the authors dedication to his product. I suppose you want him to update it twice a year, not taking any notice of new models or reported bugs?

I have used this software for may years now and have corresponded with the author on many occasions.

I know him to be a dedicated shareware author and comments like yours, written without thought or any depth, can only damage the reputation of a most excellent application.

AND - its not slow but you may be slow to realise this.

Before opening the mouth, engage the brain.  
(Version 8.3.72)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  Who's talking to you?

It's a free world for any free opinion to the software, not to the developer or even you, cry baby!

You like what you like and everyone has to like it too? Are you getting kick back from the developer? Understood, indeed, indeed.

Good scanning software? Go get SilverFast. VueScan don't even come close, but I don't think you can afford SilverFast tho, and of course, you only get what you pay for. Pirate serial number you've got is going to run out on you.

This is total child care!  
(Version 8.3.72)

FOULGER  Sad, so sad  
(Version 8.3.72)

MOK.IN.TOUCH™  This is the comments from another disappointed user:

VueScan Review: Just stay away. - Version: 8.3.71, 10/4/2006 08:36AM PST

I bought the product to support a Microtek X6 USB with ADF under OS X. The scanner has always worked fine, but support wasn't available under OS X.

Before any other problems, I note that the user interface of this program is just plain horrible. HORROR MOVIE HORRIBLE. Selecting options in one pane changes options on another pane. Selecting a checkbox causes half a dozen other options to appear; clear it and they vanish. To stop adding to a multi-page PDF in progress, you clear the "multi-page PDF" check box (as opposed to clicking a button that says "Stop multipage PDF"). Yep, it's just awful. The whole application is sluggish, and it'll hang on a regular basis. "Force Quit" doesn't always work on it.

When I first got the product, it was at 8.2. I tested it with my X6 and ADF, and it seemed to work. However, to complete my whole test, I couldn't have the dollar signs placed as a watermark on my documents in the trial version. I foolishly paid the $90 for a real license, and that's when the headaches began. Basically, the X6 support was "experimental". Every support email resulted in a new incremental release of VueScan (up to 8.3.71 now!), and instructions for me to "try this one". Nope. The first problems were resolved, but the thing now hangs randomly, and even leaves the scanner confused and requiring a power cycle.

The last straw was the email from the author asking me to reset to all defaults, then to work through the option settings until I find the one that causes the problem. I've probably changed a dozen settings with the program. If I have to debug the software, why didn't I just write it myself?

At this point, I've held out hope for nearly six months that this program might actually work some day. I doubt it ever will. Save your $90 and buy a scanner with software that actually works.   
(Version 8.3.72)

FOULGER  Be that as it may, there are over four hundred commentsand/or revues, the vast majority of which are positive. I also have to say that Microtek have always given very poor support for their scanners in Mac OS X. Probably its best to move on and dump all the Microtek scanners in the ocean and buy a Canon, which do offer good support. They are as cheap as a dozen eggs these days anyway.

Concluding on Vuescan. Many years ago I bough the application because I did have a Microtek scanner, which I have long since dumped. In all the years I have used this programme, it has served me well and I have appreciated all its features and seen the application grow.

That the interface isn't full of pretty pictures doesn't faze me as a professional, its the operation that is important to me.

Finally, when you are considering cost look at how much a separate OCR application will cost and factor that into the cost of the Vuescan application.

No one application can satisfy everyone so I guess the fact that the programme has sold overwhelmingly well speaks for itself.

Last of all, I do not work for, or have any association with, Hamrick Software  
(Version 8.3.73)

CHRISCHRAM  Laraine, it was not clear from your review whether you were aware that SCSI devices must me powered up before you boot your Mac into OS X. This is a quirk of OS X's underlying UNIX innards. Try turning your scanner on, then reboot into OS X and see if Vuescan works for you. I once had the same model of scanner you have, and Vuescan worked quite well on it.  
(Version 8.3.62)

LARAINE  Thanks, Chris, for your trouble in replying. Since I posted my comment I found out (simply through trial and error) that only by having the scanner on at bootup was I able to get both VueScan and SilverFast to work. I guess it's no big deal to switch off the scanner after bootup until I want to use it. So that's one problem fixed. But try as I might I still can't get VueScan to scan as well as ScanMaker 3.0.7, or even SilverFast, which I'm also trialling. But SilverFast is more expensive than VueScan and doesn't include OCR. You can't win no matter which way you turn. *G*  
(Version 8.3.62)

NEUTRALZONE  Are you using a SCSI card? I hear they don't work well in OS X. I run a SCSI film scanner with VueScan and it always works in Mac OS X Tiger, no matter how I power up the devices. The way I have it connected is with a Ratoc FireWire-to-SCSI adapter to the FireWire port of any of my Macs. That adapter has been rock solid reliable with VueScan.

If your Mac doesn't have a FireWire port, then I guess this doesn't apply.  
(Version 8.3.63)

LARAINE  Thanks, neutralzone. I didn't even know these things were around. But they are way too expensive. By the time I've paid for VueScan and one of these I'd have spent enough to buy a new scanner. I'm going for a new scanner.

I think VueScan is a very nice program. I was particularly impressed by its colour accuracy. I'll try it on my new scanner when I get it, if only out of curioisity.

I found the Canon CS8400F seems to have mostly very good reviews. it appears to be their second most expensive scanner at the moment. The most expensive one is way above my budget. My nephew reckons Canon is the best and can get $200 off Canon NZ's recommended price, so I think I'll go for this.

Thanks again for your help. It's much appreciated.  
(Version 8.3.63)

STEV FROM POTTSTOWN  Vuescan is updated so frequently, because the developer responds to users comments and problems. He does his best to fix problems and make the program useable.

I have a NIkon ls4000 which did crap using Nilonscan and Silverview (spelling, bad memory)

I have scan 2000 35mm slides, sligtly damaged by fungus and fading ANSCO slides were near perfect results!!  
(Version 8.3.62)

PLANETENPAULTJE  Only download and install the update that has improvements for your particular scanner. That will reduce your update cycle to a very acceptable frequency.  
(Version 8.3.65)

NEUTRALZONE  Frst of all there is no "they," there is only one guy (Ed Hamrick) working on the software as far as I know.

Many of his users prefer the frequent updates. Think about how it works with other software companies. Sometimes you buy an app and there's a problem but the company doesn't put out an update for 6 months and you're stuck. Many of us VueScan users prefer that he fix problems as soon as he knows about them so that those of us using those scanners can get the fix as soon as possible. With hundreds of scanners on the supported list, it's easy to have a couple problems a week to fix.

We just ignore all the updates that don't apply to our scanner, and are glad he made it better for somebody else.  
(Version 8.3.52)

SJK  That's how I see it, too. Kudos to Ed for distributing *any* bug fixes and changes sooner rather than later. I just skip updates that seem irrelevant for me.  
(Version 8.3.52)

EYAMBA  Does anyone know why my Scanner will not initialise?. It (Heidelberg Linoscan 2650)works perfectly one day and now pilot light just stay on and nothing else, appears off to system.

Thanks   
(Version 8.3.48)

BRUCE_Y  MacMoonDoggie, or anyone else:

Does this issue of VueScan Preview slow refreshing still exist with newer versions (8.3.36 or 8.3.38)?

Anyone else experience the particular scan preview problem noted?  
(Version 8.3.38)

THE MACDOCTOR  He is probably just very busy.

And have you actually emailed him or just put up a comment here, he may not even read these comments.  
(Version 8.3.27)

AXE  Thanks for your comment The MacDoctor.

I have emailed him from his website, posted comments here for months and still no answer.

I cannot see how he could be too busy to answer a straight yes or no.

I can only assume that he is very unpolite.

If he treats like this potential customers I wander what kind of service he will provide to his users.

Cheers.  
(Version 8.3.27)

THE MACDOCTOR  True

It looks very good when you get back to your customers straightaway with no stalling at all.

Perhaps he's living the life of luxury and he has staff who are supposed to pass these messages on but they do not.

Mark  
(Version 8.3.27)

HANK2  I've used VueScan for years. The information on how to obtain support is at the VueScan web page. The developer does not read these review sites like MacUpdate.

Most of the support is on the Usenet scanners newsgroup, which you know how to get to after reading the Vuescan web page.

Complaining here is about as useful as complaining at your local coffee bar, I think -- the developer isn't here, neither are the experienced users who can help you.

I hope that you are familiar with the bsic how-to advice, if not go here first:

How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

Copyright © 2001,2006 Eric S. Raymond, Rick Moen ... Finally, I'm going to illustrate how to ask questions in a smart way by example; pairs of questions ...

www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html   
(Version 8.3.30)

AXE  Hi hank2

thanks for your interest in this matter.

However:

Firstly I followed all procedures and emailed the developer from his website. Several months (not days) went by and no answer was given.

Secondly, as a developer, I try and read what people think about my software all the time and I feel that it is my duty to answer their queries promptly and to the best of my ability.

And last I have given up wanting to know,really, I am just trying to warn people about the treatment they are likely to get from a company that does not even find the time to answer a sale query. How long will people have to wait for post sales service?  
(Version 8.3.30)

HANK2  Check the newsgroup.  
(Version 8.3.30)

HANK2  I put this search into Google:

+microtek +scanmaker +Vuescan

It showed me your questions here and also showed me the FAQ file at the Vuescan web page where they are answered:

Quoting from the FAQ file:

http://www.hamrick.com/vuescan/vuescan.htm#unsupported

BEGIN QUOTE:

Unsupported

* All parallel-port models

* All drum scanners

* All UMAX USB models except 3400 (some versions), 5400 and PowerLook 180

* All Microtek USB models except X6USB, X12USL, 4700, 5600, 5700, 6800, 8700, FilmScan

* Canon FS2720

* Agfa SnapScan Touch

* All Lexmark, Artec, Mustek, Primax, Brother, Visioneer models

Please note that these scanners are unsupported for several reasons:

* Parallel port scanners are unsupported because the commands they use are undocumented by the vendors, are extremely complex and are difficult to reverse engineer.

* The other scanners aren't supported because the vendor won't document the commands they use, and these commands are too complex to reverse-engineer.

END quote from the FAQ file.  
(Version 8.3.30)

HANK2  Let's sum this up.

"Axe" wrote, posted, and emailed Ed Hamrick repeatedly complaining that he was not getting an answer to his question "Will you ever support Microtek Scanmaker 3800?"

Ed makes clear he doesn't answer in email questions answered in the FAQ.

The FAQ says: Unsupported

The FAQ says: because Microtek doesn't document the interface.

Axe, your complaint is with Microtek. Most scanner makers give Ed Hamrick documentation. Talk to Microtek.  
(Version 8.3.30)

AXE  Thanks Hank2. Much appreciated.  
(Version 8.3.30)

LARAINE  I use a Microtek ScanMaker E3. Version 8.3.60 supports it. It's a SCSI scanner and came with excellent software--ScanWizard--but I have to reboot in OS 9 to use it. That's a pain, so I am in the process of evaluating VueScan. US$50 is a lot of money in NZ dollars but if I decide to buy VueScan it will also replace OmniPage Limited Edition 4.1.0.  
(Version 8.3.60)

ANONYMOUS  option-click the download link for the dictionary file on the MacUpdate page.

then remove the .txt filename suffix. use only this filename: vuedict.dat

then place it according to the instruction on the MacUpdate page for Vuescan  
(Version 8.3.11)

ANONYMOUS  If I hadn't reviewed this already I would have reviewed it again, and given it another 5 stars. This app has given me control over every aspect of my scanning and has worked on more than one scanner that I've owned. It is far more advanced than any of the apps I've seen bundled with scanners. I didn't even hesitate to purchase the lifetime upgrade option. I don't upgrade to every new version, but it's nice to know that I'll have a piece of software that will most likely work with pretty much any scanner I ever own and have more options for control than I'll ever need! Truly a wonderful piece of software!  
(Version 8.3.08)

ANONYMOUS  I concur with everything you say in your post. Mac users have had to settle for inadequate vendor software for years. Most vendor scanner software consists of hideous Windows ports that work poorly on the Mac. VueScan has ended all that. We Mac users now have a reliable tool for scanning.

I first encountered VueScan after updating to Mac OS X and the manufacturer of my scanner (UMAX) chose not to support the new operating system. I have since replaced that scanner with one from Canon but use VueScan instead of Canon's own CanoScan Toolbox because it is, as I mentioned earlier, a hideous Windows port that hogs cpu time and is unstable.

I have said it before and I'll say it again...Apple should buy VueScan from Ed for a whole bunch of money and roll it into OS X. Then Apple should hire Ed, pay him a whole bunch more money, and give him as much R&D as he needs to continue development of VueScan. That alone would increase Mac sales.  
(Version 8.3.05)

ANONYMOUS  I agree with your comment. Apple should. The cost of doing so would be nothing, and the gain would be everything.  
(Version 8.3.06)

ANONYMOUS  What in the world have you been smoking? Your post is completely wrong, idiotically wrong. Here's the link from the developer's website.

https://www.hamrick.com/reg.html

The software does NOT stop working after one year. I can attest to that myself as a registered user. The standard license gets you one year of free updates. The pro license gets you UNLIMITED updates. A user DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY EVERY YEAR.

Possibilities here...

1. The original poster is intentionally spreading FUD.

2. The original poster is intentionally lying.

3. The original poster is not quite "all there" mentally.

4. The guy is just stupid.  
(Version 8.3.05)

ANONYMOUS  Your logic is faulty. It's well known that Apple's iApps are not professional level. I use a better image organizer than iPhoto, a better audio program than GarageBand, and a far better layout program than Pages. VueScan is also capable of professional results, and it's actually a bargain compared to most other apps in its class. iApps are great, but they are not at the same level as VueScan. You may not see how deep VueScan is. For one thing, it has a larger feature set than most bundled scanner packages. It supports more scanners than SilverFast, which costs several times as much.  
(Version 8.3.04)

ANONYMOUS  You don't need a scanner.

You need a girlfriend.

Vuescan is worth every penny.

If you're fine with cheap used scanners, then your needs probably aren't very critical and you can use the software they came with. Accomodating old software by using OS9.1 isn't very attractive to many people. Then again, they probably have the money to afford good scanners, vuescan and a girlfriend. ;-)  
(Version 8.3.04)

SJK  Faulty logic is right.

And I find it hard to believe someone would make comments about buying outdated hardware at garage sales and thrift stores, then expect their complaint about the price of VueScan to be taken seriously. Thanks for the laugh, Priced Out.  
(Version 8.3.04)

FOULGER  What Rubbish!!!! Expensive? Not so. This software author updates his product sometimes twice a week and is a dedicated person in for the long haul.

If you want a reason for buying, just look at the OCR part of the programme & look at the cost of the commercial alternatives.

Yes your logic is flawed - go buy a quill pen and ink and then you will have the cheapest option at your hand.  
(Version 8.3.05)

ANONYMOUS  The US $ 50.00 the developer asks for is an 'annual' fee for using his software. If you use it for the next twenty years, you will have paid him US $ 1.000.00.

I recognize that VueScan is an indispensable program for many of us. I also recognize the exemplary diligence which has gone into developing and supporting it. I agree it is worth paying for, which I have gladly done.

Yet I did not expect to do this every year, over and over again. Personally, I have little use for the alleged 'depth' claimed for this program by a previous poster here. I need it to be able to scan, that's all.

To put out this kind of money indefinitely and repeatedly for such a purpose, the expense is ridiculously high.

(PricedOut put it quite mildly, I thought).  
(Version 8.3.05)

ANONYMOUS  Mac OS X did not render your scanner useless! HP rendered your scanner useless by failing to support OS X and release an OS X driver.  
(Version 8.3.03)

ANONYMOUS  Yet another uninformed, pointless comment by someone who obviously hasn't tried the software. You wonder why they bother...  
(Version 8.2.39)

LACY  You obviously have no experience of crap HP software for Macs.....after you have fought with HP software for a while you will know why this is a godsend  
(Version 8.3.03)

ANONYMOUS  Hah - not just HP drivers. Most scanner makers bundle pretty terrible software with the scanners, but most consumers have no idea that they can't use the full potential of the scanner. For a pro, VueScan is a freaking bargain and a lifesaver. The same interface for all my scanners...cool.  
(Version 8.3.03)

DANA SUTTON  Interesting idea, and one that could lead to great arguments. What other second-party stuff should Apple take over (and hire their authors)? Graphic Converter? WebDav? A great third-party FAX program. And personally I'd vote for (some) Haxies and QuickKeys or Keyboard Maestro (hiring the original author and NOT the present owner), so that all the functionality of OS 9 (F-keys, Apple menu, windowshades, etc.) could finally be rolled into OSX.  
(Version 8.2.38)

ANONYMOUS  FedEx nut to: Hamrick Software. Use 1st next business day overnight and pack it with dry ice, please  
(Version 8.2.32)

ANONYMOUS  This is one suggestion that I definitely agree with.  
(Version 8.2.32)

ANONYMOUS  Unfortunately, Apple is not that smart. They are also putting too much time into iTunes and not enough time into Tiger.  
(Version 8.2.30)

ANONYMOUS  If Tiger or iTunes were updated as often of this everyone would complain about that as well. I think he updates any and every feature. This seems like it's always at the top of my watchlist.  
(Version 8.2.31)

ANONYMOUS  I only read the question why there is an update so often, in the previous post. You make a complaint out of it.   
(Version 8.2.29)

ANONYMOUS  Read the first sentence...  
(Version 8.2.31)

ANONYMOUS  some problem here!  
(Version 8.2.22)

ANONYMOUS  I will only buy VueScan if I am absolutely certain the OCR part of it works using OS10.3 on an Epson Perfection 1660 photo scanner.  
(Version 8.2.23)

ANONYMOUS  Well, silly fellow, if Vuescan were auto-updating then, Vuescan wouldn't be on the "front page" twice a week. This is not about providing a service to you, but about the developers getting their product out there and for both the developers and MacUpdate to make their profits.   
(Version 8.2.29)

MU ADMIN  MacUpdate makes absolutely nothing from any developers for posting Vuescan updates or any other updates, period. End of story.

We make money from those who are paid subscribers to our service and from companies that buy advertising from us. No one is getting rich at MacUpdate, that is a fact.  
(Version 8.2.29)

MU ADMIN  Furthermore, we at MacUpdate have rarely, if ever, had any correspondence of any sort with the developer of Vuescan.

And unlike our competition, we are not a corporation, nor do we have a large staff. Two human beings do all the work that is to be done at MacUpdate. And personally, if I relied solely on the modest income I make from MacUpdate, I would be below the poverty level. (I am not stating this as a complaint, I am semi-retired and have other incomes.)  
(Version 8.2.29)

AET  Option-click on the download link to force downloading. The browser mistakes the to-be-downloaded file for something it thinks it should interpret as text and view.  
(Version 8.2.19)

ANONYMOUS  Have you contacted the developer with your wishes that your model Canon scanner be supported?  
(Version 8.2.17)

ANONYMOUS  First, forgive the typo... The model ConoScan FS2720U...

To the substance, yes I did contact the developer quite a while ago. He claims that that particular model is not available in his marketplace. Rathere strange since he does support the closely related FS2700 and FS2710.

Canon never release the OS X native driver for it. My G5 no longer boots into OS9. So, I have this dead scanner...  
(Version 8.2.18)